16 June 2009

If there is one question I get asked more than any other, it's how to pronounce Illamasqua. Officially, it's Illa-mass-ka. However, as in our make-up application beliefs, there is no right or wrong way... it's about everyone's individual interpretation.

OK, so that's how you say it. So what does it mean?!

I managed to grab a moment with Julian, the founder and Chairman of Illamasqua, to tell me more about the mystery surrounding the name...

"I wanted a name which would be unique to us but also which would allow everyone to hold their own slightly unique interpretation. To this end it was almost certain that we would have to make our own word up!

Ideas were coming forward at the time that were perfect for us but were just too literal: Masquerade and Illusion were two clear favourites. At the time I had just read Anne Rice’s 'Interview with a Vampire' and was stopped dead on the page by the first mention of the Talamasca –I loved the thought of what it stood for and loved the way the word sounded when you said it. It wasn’t a big leap in taking the “Ill” of illusion and the “masquer” of masquerade and forming them with the same sound of Talamasca: Illamasqua.

From the moment it was written is sounded like it had been with us for ever – I always felt it had a Far Eastern feel to it too which I kind of liked to as it felt mysterious."

How about the logo?

"The logo came from an image I saw of a heart being pierced by the Cross and blood flowing from it. It was only in the later stages of the design that the very same shape took on the reversed ‘Q’ with I suppose most people think we lifted from the Q in Illamasqua. Happy coincidence!"

So that's the inspiration behind the name. What is your interpretation of the name? Let us know in the comments section below!

Personally, for me, the name corresponds to the mask we all hide behind, and the removal of that mask when we decide to become who we really are. When we paint out face and let our "hidden nature" out.

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About Me

Illamasqua is a heady cocktail of cultures - it combines a rich heritage and product knowledge with the creativity and expertise of Illamasqua's team of leading make-up artists. A night-time make-up that brings premium, professional products within reach of the high street.
Illamasqua is for the bolder, darker person hiding inside us. It is an act and an attitude. A symbol of tolerance. A celebration of idiosyncrasies. A confident statement of self-ownership and self-expression.
Illamasqua is your alter-ego.

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Ode To My Alter Ego

My alter ego is the person I want to become.She's darker, bolder, braver.She's a more interesting version of me.She doesn't hold back.She doesn't give a damn.Sometimes, I let myself become my other I.When she walks out and takes over,I fall in love with who I am.